After a long recess, congressional committees returned this month to a flurry of hearings on a variety of health care issues of interest to essential hospitals.
On Sept. 11, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations met for a hearing on the implementation of the U.S. Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network Act. In a bipartisan fashion, lawmakers expressed frustration with the lack of oversight and accountability within the organ transplant system and agreed the current system requires significant reform to ensure it is nondiscriminatory, efficient, and patient-centered.
Also Sept. 11, the House Committee on the Judiciary Subcommittee on the Administrative State, Regulatory Reform, and Antitrust held a hearing about pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). Concerns centered on the top three PBMs, which are vertically integrated with insurance companies and pharmacies, giving them control over drug pricing and availability. Some members of Congress argue that this inhibits competition and harms independent pharmacies, making it harder for patients to access affordable medications.
On Sept. 12, the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) held a hearing on the bankruptcy of Steward Health Care. Committee members and hearing witnesses criticized Steward Health Care’s management of its hospitals, saying the chain prioritized financial interests above the needs of patients, workers, and communities. Many also expressed concerns that the failure of Steward Health Care will cause nearby hospitals to experience an influx of new patients, straining the health care workforce.
Steward Health Care CEO Ralph de la Torre, MD, refused to appear and testify at the hearing, despite a congressional subpoena; therefore, the HELP committee will hold an executive session Sept. 19, at 10 am ET, to vote to hold de la Torre in contempt.
Appropriations
Despite being the only “must do” for Congress this month and ongoing discussions, the House and Senate have made virtually no progress on reaching an agreement before Oct. 1 to temporarily fund the federal government into the new fiscal year.
Committee Activity This Week
Only the Senate convened for session Monday; both the House and Senate will be in session for the remainder of the week.
The Senate Committee on Finance will hold a hearing Sept. 17, at 10 am ET, titled, “Lower Health Care Costs for Americans: Understanding the Benefits of the Inflation Reduction Act.”
The House Committee on Ways and Means Subcommittee on Health will meet Sept. 18, at 2 pm ET, for a hearing, “Investing in a Healthier America: Chronic Disease Prevention and Treatment.”
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